Sophia Besch

Sophia Besch

Senior research fellow
Areas of expertise 

EU Common Security and Defence Policy, European defence industry integration, NATO, German security and defence policy

Twitter 

Can the EU's defence ambitions survive budget cuts?

26 March 2020
The proposed cuts to the EU’s defence budget will not put an end to the EU’s ambitions. But they show that, on defence, the Union is only as effective as member-states allow it to be.

Defence without direction

28 November 2019
The EU is strengthening its defence capabilities, but Europeans risk losing sight of how they want to use them.

Can the European Commission develop Europe's defence industry?

18 November 2019
The EU aims to develop a home-grown European defence equipment market, and has created a new defence industry and space portfolio in the Commission to facilitate this. 

Up in arms: Warring over Europe's arms export regime

10 September 2019
The European Union's poorly co-ordinated arms export policy is undermining Europe's foreign policy, credibility as a principled power and defence industry. The EU should take steps to move towards convergence.

The EU needs an effective common arms export policy

04 June 2019
The EU’s strategic interests and credibility are harmed by its ineffective and incoherent approach to arms export policy.

NATO at 70: Twilight years or a new dawn?

03 April 2019
As NATO celebrates its 70th anniversary, the most serious threats to its survival are as much internal as external.

Appalled by strategic autonomy? Applaud it instead

22 March 2019
Strategic autonomy is a sign of the transatlantic relationship’s inevitable progression. Europeans and Americans need to manage the growing pains that will accompany Europe’s ambitions.

Europe without the UK: Liberated or diminished?

13 March 2019
In 2016 the CER made ten predictions about the effect of Brexit on future EU policy. How do they stand up now, on the eve of the UK’s departure?

Protecting European networks: What can NATO do?

31 October 2018
With the 'cyber defence pledge' NATO is trying to get its allies to do more to protect their networks. The alliance should lead by example.

Defence spending in NATO: Stop convincing Trump, start convincing Europeans

10 July 2018
Trump’s desire to get Europeans to "pay up" will bring about conflict at the NATO Summit. It is important to get the facts right.